Political Editor Savannah Witt
Published May 1, 2026
Georgia voters cast 115,365 early ballots in the first week of voting for the May 19 primary, smashing prior records as turnout surges 29% above 2022 on opening day alone. The spike signals intense interest in the wide-open governor's race and other statewide contests, with early voting open through May 15. Atlanta business leaders watch closely as Norfolk Southern, the city's rail giant, fields a renewed $85 billion merger bid from Union Pacific.
Early Voting Breaks Records from Day One
April 28 marked the start of early voting, and Georgians responded with 35,352 in-person ballots, up from 27,298 four years earlier. Officials called it the highest first-day total for a midterm primary. By late April 29 or early 30, the tally reached 115,365, according to the Secretary of State's data hub.
| Date | Ballots Cast | Change from 2022 |
|---|
| April 28 (Day 1) | 35,352 | +29% |
| Week Total (as of Apr 29/30) | 115,365 | Record high |
The Secretary of State's release credits competitive races, especially the governor's contest left vacant due to incumbent Brian Kemp being term-limited. Democrats and Republicans alike pack the ballot, drawing casual voters to polls early.
Governor's Race Fuels Voter Surge
No incumbent anchors the top race. On the Republican side, candidates include Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both eyeing the open seat. The crowded field explains the rush, as CBS Atlanta reports.
- Early voting sites expanded to 29 locations statewide, up from prior cycles.
- Absentee ballots add to the total, processed alongside in-person advances.
- Turnout tops 2022 midterm levels across urban and rural counties alike.
High participation favors organized campaigns with ground games. Frontrunners gain from name recognition, while underdogs bet on early momentum to close gaps before May 15 cutoff.
Norfolk Southern's Merger Bid Lands Amid Election Buzz
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern filed an amended application with the Surface Transportation Board on April 30, seeking approval for an $85 billion deal to form the nation's first coast-to-coast railroad. Norfolk Southern, which employs thousands in Atlanta, links its eastern tracks to Union Pacific's western lines with zero overlap. The filing follows a January rejection of their initial December 2025 submission for lacking detail.
Executives promise concrete gains in the updated plan, detailed in Union Pacific's release. Shippers stand to save $3.5 billion yearly through efficiencies. Labor wins 1,200 net new union jobs plus lifetime employment guarantees for affected workers. Environmentally, the deal removes 2.1 million trucks from highways annually.
Atlanta Economy Hinges on Rail Deal Outcome
Norfolk Southern anchors Atlanta's rail sector, with headquarters downtown and major operations in Georgia. A green light from the STB boosts local jobs and logistics hub status, positioning Atlanta as gateway to a unified national network. Rejection keeps the companies separate, preserving competition but forgoing savings.
Opponents, including some shippers and rivals, question monopoly risks. Union Pacific counters with data on complementary routes: Union Pacific dominates West Coast to Midwest, Norfolk Southern rules Southeast to Northeast. The AP notes valuation swings between $71.5 billion and $85 billion, reflecting stock and asset calculations.
Georgia politicians from both parties court rail interests. Governor candidates promise support for homegrown firms, tying economic pitches to voter concerns on jobs and growth. The merger timing amplifies Atlanta's voice in D.C. regulatory fights.
STB Deadline Sets Merger Pace
Public comments on the application's completeness close May 8. Full STB review follows, potentially stretching months. Early voting ends May 15, primaries hit May 19. Rail watchers and candidates track both clocks as Georgia shapes national stories in politics and business.
